That’s the question that always brings me back down to Earth because the answer is … being a writer is actually that exciting and cool. I need to remember that.

The hard work part is still real, but the personal joy writing produces is incomparable. “Fulfilling” is an understatement.

Perhaps the most driven to communicate clearly, artists who are writers take on many different roles. They’re teachers, mentors, philosophers, trailblazers, revolutionaries.

They don’t just “do work,” they love the work they do.

Personal goals can fuel business goals

In the 1981 hit “Working for the Weekend” by Loverboy, the sentiment is that we have to get through the week. The weekend is what we look forward to, our reward.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a big fan of the weekend. And it may seem a bit absurd to dissect the chorus of a lighthearted pop song, but the point I want to highlight is:

If we spend the majority of our time working during the week, shouldn’t we strive to make that time enjoyable as well?

I also support taking breaks during your workday and making it a priority to not get burned out, but those aspects aside, I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of loving the work you do so much that you’re not desperate for an escape.

They first get clear on the “why” that gets them out of bed in the morning and carries them to work each day, and then take steps so that some part of their daily reality (even if it’s not their full-time job) consists of progress that helps them achieve their desired lifestyle.

They find the space where hard work and fun coexist.

So, if you’d like to spend more of your time “working for the weekday,” let’s talk about getting clear on how you can start moving in that direction.

Don’t hold back here because sometimes you won’t see a brilliant connection between all three categories that will become your content, product, or service concept until you release all of your ideas and get them written down.

I always go through this process with a pen and paper because it’s supposed to be messy. A digital document — that allows you to seamlessly delete some of your answers into oblivion — is too clean and organized for the madness that is necessary to have a breakthrough.

Self-indulgence as either self-care or self-harm

Is doing work you love self-indulgent and worthy of criticism?

Like anyone who chooses to pursue a career path that makes them happy should feel a little guilty … like what makes them so special that they can do work they find fun while other people are stuck at jobs that make them unhappy?

Consider this: self-harm is just as self-indulgent as self-care, but self-harm is often viewed as much more acceptable.

Staying at a job you dislike. Sleeping too little. Drinking too much alcohol. Eating an unhealthy diet. Normalizing all of those choices as just a part of modern life makes taking care of your well-being almost seem out of the ordinary.

Let’s say any self-indulgent action is either considered self-care or self-harm.

Self-care would be an action that helps support long-term happiness, while self-harm would be an action that satisfies a need and/or briefly produces joy, but does not support sustainable contentment.

When someone feels safer on the self-harm side of self-indulgence, clinging to the belief that happiness only occurs in fleeting moments and that the majority of existence is suffering … that’s a choice.

And if we’re willing to overlook those self-harm actions as understandable and necessary to navigate through life, then no one should be criticized for valuing self-care actions and taking the time to explore the interests they want to pursue professionally that would help them serve others.

Help people discover what you have to offer

Passionate writers want to reach everyone who will benefit from their work.

The thoughtful content on your website that you research, create, optimize, and promote is a reflection of your passion — and it attracts the people you aim to serve.

Do you love your work? If not, what can you do today to start moving toward a more fulfilling career? Commit to your next step in the comments below.

Reader Comments (14)

I love to write. It is easy to get burned out though and run out of good ideas, write nearly identical content, or not really add to the conversation. It is hard work to be original but it’s always great to look back at past articles and marvel at the insight. That’s where the joy is I think.

I agree. I love to write, and always strive to ensure the content I produce is fresh and relevant, but it can be frustrating at times. I do always write down ideas because I believe it actually helps so I’m definitely an advocate for pen and paper!

Wow, self-care and self-harm equally indulgent, but the latter more acceptable. Brilliant, and so true. Sadly, we pay the price for self-harm not only in lack of happiness but in health and relationships. I’ve spent the last 10 years attempting to recover from from the “you can sleep when you’re dead” self-indulgence.

I have been a content writer all my life. People just pay me to write. I started writing consultancy reports. I did research and investigated things then wrote about them for our clients. I moved on from that and started writing bids for projects. Then I had enough and went on to write grant applications. Now I am a writer for different blogs, internet news websites and I occasionally write a publication on some research I do in parallel to my writing. I just love writing, but cannot see myself writing the same thing every day. I am now embarking in writing a children book for my kids. I am loving it. Always do what you like and change little things to improve and feel good. That is what writing has taught me.

Hey Stefanie, You have shared some wonderful tips here with me. I really like the tips you have that ask 3 questions to yourself.

The passion for work always drives me crazy and it motivates me to work more hard on my goals. Being full time blogger sometimes it becomes very messy and things get tough when Google dance happens but all you need is dedication and surrounded by positive people .

This writing thing—ugh! Look what it’s done to my fingernails. But Stefanie, you’re right: sometimes this writing thing is just dandy.

One of its spiffiest thrills is variety—yesterday I wrote a content-marketing piece on native advertising, today I’m writing a travel article on viewing the hot lava on the Big Island. My fingernails will be just fine. Thank you for the good word.

(But man, do I get the self-harm plague. I must learn to consistently say “no” to the nagging voices in your head.)

Yes, yes and yes… you should strive to love the weekdays as much as the weekends. I love my job and I start to work every morning with a smile. It must be so hard to live a life where the weekdays are your enemy!

Yes! I love writing! Few things are as fulfilling as being able to create words that move people to action and promote new ideas. I’m a content marketer and I also work in SEO. I love both of them!

Those three questions will definitely help me in my writing. When you find out what you are passionate about, then produce writing or a product around that passion, the entire world becomes a better place. It’s all about sharing your talents with the world.